The Prologue

Many great teachings have been given to us through the Law and the Prophets and the others that followed them, and for these we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom. Now, those who read the scriptures must not only themselves understand them, but must also as lovers of learning be able through the spoken and written word to help the outsiders. So my grandfather Jesus, who had devoted himself especially to the reading of the Law and the Prophets and the other books of our ancestors, and had acquired considerable proficiency in them, was himself also led to write something pertaining to instruction and wisdom, so that by becoming familiar also with his book those who love learning might make even greater progress in living according to the law. You are invited therefore to read it with goodwill and attention, and to be indulgent in cases where, despite our diligent labour in translating, we may seem to have rendered some phrases imperfectly. For what was originally expressed in Hebrew does not have exactly the same sense when translated into another language. Not only this book, but even the Law itself, the Prophecies, and the rest of the books differ not a little when read in the original. When I came to Egypt in the thirty-eighth year of the reign of Euergetes and stayed for some time, I found opportunity for no little instruction. It seemed highly necessary that I should myself devote some diligence and labour to the translation of this book. During that time I have applied my skill day and night to complete and publish the book for those living abroad who wished to gain learning and are disposed to live according to the law.

In Praise of Wisdom

All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains for ever.

upon all the living according to his gift; he lavished her upon those who love him.

Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his words, and those who love him keep his ways.

Those who fear the Lord seek to please him, and those who love him are filled with his law.

Humility

My child, perform your tasks with humility; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.

A stubborn mind will fare badly at the end, and whoever loves danger will perish in it.

Be a father to orphans, and be like a husband to their mother; you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.

Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her from early morning are filled with joy.

Those who serve her minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her.

If you love to listen you will gain knowledge, and if you pay attention you will become wise.

Let your soul love intelligent slaves; do not withhold from them their freedom.

With all your might love your Maker, and do not neglect his ministers.

Do not hesitate to visit the sick, because for such deeds you will be loved.

Every creature loves its like, and every person a neighbour.

The Lord hates all abominations; such things are not loved by those who fear him.

A prostitute is regarded as spittle, and a married woman as a tower of death to her lovers.

Love your friend and keep faith with him; but if you betray his secrets, do not follow after him.

Concerning Children

He who loves his son will whip him often, so that he may rejoice at the way he turns out.

One who loves gold will not be justified; one who pursues money will be led astray by it.

The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from scorching wind and a shade from noonday sun, a guard against stumbling and a help against falling.

Wine and music gladden the heart, but the love of friends is better than either.

In all that he did he gave thanks to the Holy One, the Most High, proclaiming his glory; he sang praise with all his heart, and he loved his Maker.

Your fame reached to far-off islands, and you were loved for your peaceful reign.

But the Lord will never give up his mercy, or cause any of his works to perish; he will never blot out the descendants of his chosen one, or destroy the family line of him who loved him. So he gave a remnant to Jacob, and to David a root from his own family.

Happy are those who saw you and were adorned with your love! For we also shall surely live.

for you saved me from destruction and rescued me in time of trouble. For this reason I thank you and praise you, and I bless the name of the Lord.

Hebrew adds:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the God of praises, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the guardian of Israel, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to him who formed all things, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the redeemer of Israel, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to him who gathers the dispersed of Israel, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to him who rebuilt his city and his sanctuary, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to him who makes a horn to sprout for the house of David, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to him who has chosen the sons of Zadok to be priests, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the shield of Abraham, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the rock of Isaac, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the mighty one of Jacob, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to him who has chosen Zion, for his steadfast love endures for ever; Give thanks to the King of the kings of kings, for his steadfast love endures for ever; He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his loyal ones. For the children of Israel, the people close to him. Praise the Lord!